A CHARITY WORKER who has devoted 60 years to helping society’s most vulnerable has been given an MBE.

Worshippers at All Saints’ in Woodford Wells “clapped and cheered” when they heard lifelong church volunteer Pat Liddiard had been given a place on the Queen’s Birthdays Honours list.

The 76-year-old, of Beverley Crescent, Woodford Green, said: “I sat down to read the letter, but when I saw the words ‘Cabinet Office’ I just started shaking, I couldn’t believe it.

“It took me two days until I could come back and read the rest.”

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Ms Liddiard worked for a number of charities all over the world between 1986 and her retirement in 2000, including Barnardo’s and The Prince’s Trust.

Her volunteering days stretch back to 1954 when she started running youth groups at George Lane Baptist Church in South Woodford.

From putting on holiday clubs in Woodford Green to helping the poor in Poland, Romania, and Brazil, she continues to be a role model to thousands of children as a counsellor, mentor, project organiser, and fundraiser.

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Despite only getting to see her every five years, Ms Liddiard’s niece Belinda nominated her for the prestigious accolade all the way from Canada.

She said: “Pat has devoted her life to helping those on the margins of society.

“She has been an inspiration to all those fortunate enough to know her and has never sought any recognition for her work.

“She deserves this honour for the difference she has made to so many lives.”

Most recently Ms Liddiard took up the extra role of rapid response chaplain with Samaritan’s Purse, which means being sent to disasters all over the world at very short notice.

This year it has seen her deployed to help victims of the Westminster and Manchester terror attacks, and will mean helping families devastated by the Grenfell Tower fire next week.

She has kept her celebrations fairly low key, inviting her neighbours round for a drink after the news was released on Saturday (June 17).

She added: “I’m not the kind of person to go round telling everyone, but I’ve had lots of emails congratulating me – it’s been amazing.”

She will officially receive the MBE at a ceremony that will take place later this year.